James Collins and Patrice Evra have both been released by the club after their contracts expired, while Sam Byram is also free to leave.

Pellegrini has also overseen the departure of four members of the backroom staff as the 64-year-old begins an overhaul at the London Stadium.

According to the report, two players that the Chilean is keen to sign are Manchester City's Yaya Toure and Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

Toure is soon to be out of contract himself and like Caballero, worked under the management of Pellegrini for three years at City.

The duo are 35 and 36-years-old respectively, which like the signing of 37-year-old Evra in February, completely goes against what co-owner David Sullivan told the Guardian about the Hammers' transfer policy in December:

Tom Seymour

Tom is a freelance sports journalist with more than four years' experience in the industry; having also worked in radio and newspapers, as well as online. A Sheffield United fan who now lives in Bristol, Tom can be spotted at Huish Park at Yeovil Town's home games when he also does a bit of commentary.